• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.21
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• pp.9107-9112
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• 2014

Purpose: To investigate and study the relationship between the PLCE1 rs2274223 gene polymorphism and susceptibility to esophageal cancer by meta-analysis. Materials and Methods: The literature was searched in Wanfang, CNKI, PubMed, CBM, Web of Science, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Springer, Elsevier and Cochrane databases from the date of January $1^{st}$ 2004 to April $1^{st}$ 2014 to collect case-control studies on the PLCE1 polymorphism and susceptibility to esophageal cancer. For the population genotype distributions of both esophagus cancer and control groups, their odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were taken as effect indexes. Disqualified studies were excluded. Odds ratios of PLCE1 rs2274223 genotype distributions in the group of patients with esophageal cancer and the group of healthy control were calculated. The metaanalysis software, RevMan5.0, was applied for heterogeneity test, pooled OR and 95% confidence intervals. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias were also explored. Results: A total of twelve case-control studies were included, covering a total of 9, 912 esophageal cancer cases and 13, 023 controls were included. The pooled odds ratio of PLCE1 rs2274223 genotype GA vs AA was 1.29 (95%CI=1.17~1.43), p<0.01, GG vs AA was 1.65 (95%CI=1.32~2.05), p<0.01, GG/GA vs AA was 1.30 (95%CI=1.16~1.46), p<0.01 and GG vs GA/AA was 1.48 (95%CI=1.22~1.80), p<0.01. The PLCE1 rs2274223 polymorphism was thus associated with risk of esophageal cancer in all genetic models. In the stratified analysis by ethnicity, and source of controls, no significantly increased risk was observed for white persons. There was no obvious publication bias detected. Conclusions: This meta-analysis showed there was a significantly association between PLCE1 rs2274223 polymorphism and esophageal cancer in yellow race populations. Due to some minor limitations, our findings should be confirmed in further studies.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.72-77
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• 2012

Purpose: Unplanned excision of a soft tissue sarcoma is defined as the operation performed for gross removal of a soft tissue sarcoma without regard for preoperative imaging or the necessity to removal a margin of normal tissue covering the cancer. We report our experience of treating primary soft tissue sarcoma after an unplanned excision. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 31 patients referred to our hospital after unplanned excision at other hospitals for treatment of a STS. The clinical information was reviewed with a focus on the patient's age, gender, tumor location, tumor size, tumor depth, presumptive diagnoses at the previous surgery, refer hospital, definitive diagnosis, interval between the initial and additional surgery and local recurrence. Results: There were 19 males and 12 females with a median age of 48 years (range, 17-75 years) at the time of referral. Seventeen patients (54.8%) had tumors in their lower limb, 6 (19.4%) had tumors in their upper limb, and 8 (25.8%) had tumors in their trunk. Tumor depth could be determined for 8 patients (25.8%), with superficial and 22 deep tumors (71%). The medial interval between unplanned excision to re-excision ranged from 2 weeks to 1 year (median, 5 weeks). Local recurrence was detected in 2 patients. All patients were alive without metastasis at last follow up. Conclusion: Even in upper class general hospital, many unplanned excision had been performed, which is considered to be avoided. When the relatively huge mass located in deeper layer it requires enough preoperative imaging studies and biopsy.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.8
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• pp.4577-4581
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• 2013

Background: The objective of this study was to determine the practice of skin cancer prevention among Malaysian road traffic police officers. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 202 Malaysian Road Police Traffic officers. Inclusion criteria were those officers who work wearing white uniform regulating traffic. The survey took place at the Police Traffic Station, Jln Tun H.S. Lee, Kuala Lumpur, the main Head Quarters of Malaysian's Traffic Department where almost 600 police traffic officers are employed. The police traffic officers are given the task to take care of the traffic from the main office of the police station, then, according to the task, the officers drive to their given location for their duty. Each task is approved by the Chief Traffic Inspector of Kuala Lumpur. Data collected in this study were analyzed using SPSS 13, with the T-test for univariate analysis and multiple linear regression for multivariate analysis. Results: A total of 202 road traffic police officers participated. The majority were older than 30 years of age, male, Malay, married, with secondary education, with monthly income more than 2000 Ringgit Malaysia (66.3%, 91.1%, 86.6%, 84.7%, 96%, 66.3%; respectively). Regarding the practice of skin cancer prevention, 84.6% of the study participants were found to wear hats, 68.9% sunglasses and 85.6% clothing that covering most of the body but only 16.9% used a sunscreen when they were outdoors. When analysis of the factors that influenced the practice of skin cancer prevention was performed, univariate analysis revealed that gender, age and monthly income significantly influenced the practice of skin cancer prevention. For multivariate analysis, gender, monthly income and race significantly influenced the practice of using sunscreen among road traffic police officers (p<0.001, p=0.019, p=0.027; respectively). Conclusions: The practice of skin cancer prevention among the traffic police officers showed good practices in terms of wearinga hat, sun glasses and clothing that covers most of the body. However, the study revealed a poor practice of the use of sunscreen. The factors that influence the practice of sunscreen use were found to be gender, income, and race. The study suggests that more awareness campaign among traffic police officers is needed. Providing sunscreen for free for police traffic officers should be considered by the Police authorities.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.8
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• pp.3485-3491
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• 2015

Background: Nodal invasion by colorectal cancer is a critical determinant in estimating patient survival and in choosing appropriate preoperative treatment. The present meta-analysis was designed to evaluate the diagnostic value of endorectal ultrasound (EUS) in preoperative assessment of lymph node involvement in colorectal cancer. Materials and Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases for relevant studies published on or before December 10th, 2014. The sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and area under the summary receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) were assessed to estimate the diagnostic value of EUS. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were performed to explore heterogeneity across studies. Results: Thirty-three studies covering 3,016 subjects were included. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.69 (95%CI: 0.63-0.75) and 0.77 (95%CI: 0.73-0.82), respectively. The positive and negative likelihood ratios were 3.09 (95%CI: 2.52-3.78) and 0.39 (95%CI: 0.32-0.48), respectively. The DOR was 7.84 (95%CI: 5.56-11.08), and AUC was 0.80 (95%CI: 0.77-0.84). Conclusions: This meta-analysis indicated that EUS has moderate diagnostic value in preoperative assessment of lymph node involvement in colorectal cancer. Further refinements in technology and diagnostic criteria are necessary to improve the diagnostic accuracy of EUS.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.2329-2334
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• 2012

Introduction: Many studies have reported that microRNA-21 (miR-21) mihght predict the survival outcome in non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) but the opposite opinion has also been expressed. The aim of this study was to summarize the evidence for a prognostic role of miR-21. Materials and Methods: All the eligible studies was searched by Medline and EMBASE and patients' clinical characteristics and survival outcome were extracted. Then a meta-analysis was performed to clarify the prognostic role of the miR-21 expression in different subgroups. Results: A total of 8 eligible articles were yielded covering survival outcomes or clinical characteristics. The combined hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for overall survival (OS) was 2.19 [0.76, 6.30], while the combined HR (95% CI) of Asian group for OS had a significant result, 5.49 [2.46, 12.27]. The combined HR (95% CI) for recurrence free survival or disease free survival (RFS/DFS) was 2.31 [1.52, 3.49]. Odds ratios (ORs) showed that the miR-21 expression was associated with lymph node status and histological type. Conclusion: miR-21 expression could predict the prognostic outcome of NSCLC in Asians, despite some deficiencies in the study data.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.24
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• pp.10631-10636
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• 2015

Background: We aimed to investigate anxiety, depression and sexual satisfaction levels and the effects of depression and anxiety upon the sexual satisfaction of Turkish breast cancer patients and their partners. Materials and Methods: Data were collected from one hundred breast cancer patients and their partners, using three forms: one covering information about socio-demographic characteristics of the patients, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADs) and the Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS). Results: The frequencies, avoidance and touch subscores were statistically significantly high in the patients. Among those with high anxiety scores, the frequency, communication, satisfaction, touch, and anorgasmic subscale scores of GRISS were found to be significantly high. Among the partners whose anxiety scores were high, only the premature ejaculation subscale was statistically significant. It was determined that for partners with higher depression scores, the communication, satisfaction, avoidance, premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction subscores of GRISS were statistically higher compared to partners with lower depression scores. Conclusions: Patients' quality of life may be increased by taking precautions to reduce their and their partners' psychosocial and psychosexual concerns.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.110-115
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• 2008

Purpose: The objective of this study is to propose an effective management of unstable zygomatic arch fracture. The reduction methods of arch fracture were relatively simple but the maintenance of reduction state is very troublesome. On this, authors introduce an effective management method of unstable zygomatic arch fracture. Methods: Authors experienced 23 cases of unstable segmental zygomatic arch fractures and used Thermo-splint in all cases. All the arch fractures were reduced through Gillies' approach under the general anesthesia. After the reduction, the most effective suspension points were marked on the covering skin of the fractured arch. A needle of heavy nonabsorbable suture material was inserted toward the marking site under the reduced zygomatic arch. And then Therm-splint was dipped in the hot water, and we got the splint pattern of patient face. Reshaped Thermo-splint was trimmed and fixated with previous suspension suture materials. More additive suspension was done if necessary. The splint was applied for in two to three weeks postoperatively. Results: In all the cases, good cosmetic and functional results were observed without severe complications. There were 4 cases of incomplete reductions but they also had no specific problems. There were no facial nerve symptom and scar(stitch mark). Postoperative slight tenderness and trismus were completely subsided after removal of the splint. Conclusion: The Thermo-splint safely protect and maintain the postoperative reduction state. The application, maintenance and removal were easy and simple. It could be reformed to any contour of face and had enough rigidity for supporting. Above all these things, effective prevention of displacement and easy manipulation were significant merit. Authors experienced good results with Thermo-splint, and would introduce it for another method of management of zygomatic arch fracture.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.661-673
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• 2007

Rock materials of the three-storied stone pagoda in the Cheongryongsa temple in Korea are mainly composed of gneissose two-mica granite and fine-grained granite. This stone pagoda shows structural instability due to cracks and breaking-out of the stones. The surface properties of the stone is highly degraded by various inorganic pollutants and epilithic biospecies. Therefore, this study carried out comprehensive deterioration diagnosis by non-destructive methods, and some conservation treatments base on the diagnosis were carried out to reduce weathering progress. As the treatments, the biospecies and lichen that covering on the stone surfaces were removed by dry and wet cleaning, and degraded concrete applied to the pagoda for restoration in the past was removed and repaired with epoxy resin. Oxidized iron plates inserted between the rock properties were also substituted titanium stainless steels. After all processes are completed, we sprayed consolidant on the rock surface. Finally, the ground of the stone pagoda was rearranged using small rock aggregates, and the fence was established for control of artificial deterioration by visitors and environmental maintenance.

• Journal of the Korean Ceramic Society
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.81-86
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• 2003

Microwave dielectric properties have been investigated in the$(1-x)CaTiO_3-xYAlO_3$ (x=0.1~1.0) solid solution system. The mixtures of $CaTiO_3$ and $YalO_3$using solid state method were sintered at various temperatures. Their dielectric constants and related temperature coefficients were strongly depend on the composition of the solid solution. The optimum properties were recorded as for ${\varepsilon}_r=47,$ $Q{\times}f_0$=35000 and ${\tau}_f=+11ppm/^{\circ}C$ without sintering agent. Even at $1200^{\circ}C$ full densification has been achieved with addition of $CaB_2O_4$ in the $0.75CaTiO_3-0.25YalO_3$ composition. The sample of $0.3 wt%-CaB_2O_4$ added $ 0.75CaTiO_3-0.25YalO_3$ sintered at $1300^{\circ}C$ for 3 h showed optimum microwave dielectric properties of ${\varepsilon}_r=47$, $Q{\time}f_0=37000$ and ${\tau}_f=+17ppm/^{\circ}C$, which demonstrates the promising candidates for microwave dielectric materials covering 5~7 GHz range.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.129-138
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• 2018

Purpose: This study was conducted to compare clinical outcomes and treatment-related toxicities after stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) with two different dose regimens for small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) ${\leq}3cm$ in size. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 44 patients with liver-confined HCC treated between 2009 and 2014 with SBRT. Total doses of 45 Gy (n = 10) or 60 Gy (n = 34) in 3 fractions were prescribed to the 95% isodose line covering 95% of the planning target volume. Rates of local control (LC), intrahepatic failure-free survival (IHFFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and overall survival (OS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Median follow-up was 29 months (range, 8 to 64 months). Rates at 1 and 3 years were 97.7% and 95.0% for LC, 97.7% and 80.7% for OS, 76% and 40.5% for IHFFS, and 87.3% and 79.5% for DMFS. Five patients (11.4%) experienced degradation of albumin-bilirubin grade, 2 (4.5%) degradation of Child-Pugh score, and 4 (9.1%) grade 3 or greater laboratory abnormalities within 3 months after SBRT. No significant difference was seen in any oncological outcomes or treatment-related toxicities between the two dose regimens. Conclusions: SBRT was highly effective for local control without severe toxicities in patients with HCC smaller than 3 cm. The regimen of a total dose of 45 Gy in 3 fractions was comparable to 60 Gy in efficacy and safety of SBRT for small HCC.